Conjunctival Carcinoma

Abstract

Conjunctival carcinoma encompasses several eye neoplasms that include squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma. In both cases the patients tend to be older males, often with a significant history of chronic sun exposure. Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a term used to describe conjunctival or corneal neoplastic growth; it encompasses a range of conditions from simple dysplasia to conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive SCC. There is evidence that conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is becoming more common, more aggressive, and affecting more young people, especially women. Immunocompromised patients, including those infected with HIV, are predisposed to developing these neoplasms. There is mounting evidence that one or more infectious agents, especially types of human papillomavirus, may be involved in the pathogenesis of CSCC, but there is still some uncertainty about the etiologic role of these agents and additional research is needed.